Hardcore Cayman on the way

A lightweight Porsche Cayman Clubsport is being prepared by the German sports car company, Autocar has learned.

The stripped-out Porsche Cayman Clubsport goes on sale in the UK in October. It marks the first time that Porsche has offered a hardcore version of the Cayman, which is intended to meet demand for a version suitable for track days and competition.

Porsche is expected to use the car to establish a new one-make race series. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but a £4k premium over the £44k Cayman S looks likely.

At the heart of the Porsche Cayman Clubsport is a package of weight-saving measures, including a stripped-out interior, lightweight body panels, simplified lighting system and forged alloy wheels that together shave up to 100kg off the kerb weight.

The tradition of previous Clubsport models like the 968CS is to keep the engine and gearbox standard, so expect the Cayman Clubsport to use the new 320bhp 3.4-litre flat six, now with direct injection, from the Porsche Cayman S.

A six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential will be standard.

Thanks to the lower kerb weight, performance will be slightly better than the Cayman S’s 171mph and 4.9sec 0-62mph.

Other changes will include a unique body kit with deeper front and rear bumpers and a fixed rear spoiler to replace the retractable unit used on the standard Cayman.

Buyers will be able to order the Clubsport in either standard trim or in race spec – the latter adding a six-point harness, roll cage and fire extinguisher.